Boys' Town maintain pressure

Anthony Minott, Gleaner Writer

Marvin Morgan's 60th-minute winner gave title-hungry Boys' Town a 2-1 triumph over Portmore United at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday and put the heat on leaders Tivoli Gardens, in the two-horse race for the Digicel Premier League title.

The win pushed Boys' Town to 65 points, three adrift of Tivoli with two rounds remaining.

Fabian Francis put Boys' Town in front in the 20th minute.

But as they have done on a few occasions, the Red Brigade lapsed in defence and Portmore equalised on the stroke of half-time when youthful Kevin Skyers shot past Kirk Porter in goal for Boys' Town.

With a fiery half-time talk from coach Andrew Price, Boys' Town put in an improved performance after the break, and on the hour mark Morgan lobbed Portmore's custodian, Demetro Brown, to score, triggering wild celebrations on and off the field.

mounting pressure

However, eight minutes later the pressure was on Boys' Town as Wayne Ellis was sent off for pulling down Skyers inside the penalty box.

Fate smiled on the Red Brigade as Portmore's penalty kicker, Steven Morrissey, shot straight at Porter, who blocked the ball. The rebound came straight back at Morrissey, whose second attempt was also blocked.

The Boys' Town bench went wild, and after the final whistle again when victory was confirmed.

"The important thing in this game is that we collected three points as we continue on track to chase (for) the title," said Price. "We have to continue winning games. We went down a man short and it put us under a lot of pressure, but the team as shown a lot of character all season where they have dug in and fought game after game and the struggle continues."